How to Care for Antique Coral Objects

Coral appears in jewellery, carvings and mounted decorative objects. It is porous, can fade and is subject to wildlife-trade controls.

Safe routine care

Handle with clean dry hands, protect from knocks and keep away from strong light, cosmetics and acidic materials.

What not to do

Do not bleach, ultrasonically clean or test with acid. Before sale or cross-border movement, verify species, age, provenance and current legal requirements.

Storage and specialist help

Keep documentation with the object and obtain specialist conservation and legal advice when needed.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.